SANTA CRUZ, Calif. - After making headlines in October, Officer John Pedro's headstone has been replaced through the generosity of Randy and Janet Krasson at Santa Cruz Memorial and Bob Mattos of Bras and Mattos Monument in Hayward.
"The thoughtfulness and compassion shown to us through this ordeal by individual members of the Santa Cruz community, as well as the Krassons and Mr. Mattos has been genuinely heartening," said CHP Captain Matt Olson.
The story began sometime between Saturday, October 6th and Sunday, October 7th, when the headstone marking CHP Officer John Pedro's final resting place was stolen from the Santa Cruz Memorial Cemetery on Paul Sweet Road. Officer Pedro, a Watsonville native, served the community of Santa Cruz County from 1996 until his End of Watch on June 2nd, 2002. He was a 13 year veteran of the California Highway Patrol.
CHP tells Central Coast News, that several vandalisms have occurred to memorials bearing Officer Pedro's name, since his death.
Santa Cruz Area CHP Commander, Captain Matt Olson has committed to providing any support necessary in a search for the suspect. "Whatever would drive a person to do such a cruel act is not understandable or acceptable. This is cruelty to John's family: His wife, daughter, mother, and siblings and will not be tolerated."
CHP is working with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department to identify the person or persons responsible and to bring them to justice.
Since its inception in 1929, the CHP has lost 223 uniformed members in line-of-duty deaths. Officer Pedro's sacrifice was one of three such sacrifices made by uniformed members of the California Highway Patrol assigned to Santa Cruz County.
